The Globe
Fla defeats Vasco and can win three today
Marcelinho leads the red-black team to a 92-74 victory in the State finals
Flamengo comfortably won the first decisive game and can claim its third men's state basketball championship tonight at 20 p.m. at Maracanãzinho. Paulo Chupeta's team excelled in three-point shooting and rebounding, but Vasco da Gama was unfazed last night, opening the best-of-three series with an easy 92-74 victory.
- We're closer to the title, but we have to go out on the court determined again - said Marcelinho, the game's top scorer with 31 points.
The Cruzmaltina team now has to recover today and force a third match to be played on Sunday at 16pm, also at Maracanãzinho.
The first game of the finals had a small crowd, and no violence was reported in or around the arena. With the ball in play, the game was only evenly matched in the first few minutes. More accurate in its shooting, Flamengo finished the first quarter ahead: 21 to 17.
Vasco fell further in the second quarter and struggled: 48 to 37. In the third, there was no reaction and a bigger difference: 70 to 56. The last quarter was a real slam dunk. In the end, it was a red-and-black celebration, with 31 points from Marcelinho.
Vasco: Arthur (15), Estevam (4), Valtinho (15), Jefferson (9) and Marcio Cipriano (9). Luis Fernando (9), Rossi (8), Rafael (2), Brasilia (3) and Fernando Bala came on. Flamengo: Marcelinho (31), Fred (3), Amiel (15), Coloneze and Alírio (5). Helio (7), Wagner (10), Maicon, Fernando Mineiro (16) and Duda (5) came on.
Fla already has three reinforcements well underway
In addition to the returns of Renato and Jônatas, the team wants Rodrigo
Gilmar Ferreira
Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, yesterday in São Paulo outlined the signing of three reinforcements for 2008: defender Rodrigo (ex-São Paulo), from Dynamo Kiev, and midfielders Jônatas, from Espanyol, and Renato Abreu, from Al Nasr, Saudi Arabia - the last two former players of the club itself.
"I discussed some names in São Paulo, but I won't reveal which ones. Now, only when the deal is closed or the contract is signed. Then, I'll publish it on the official website. I can say that I won't announce any news this week," said the executive, upset by the leaked negotiations.
Rodrigo, 27 years old, 1,87m tall and 73kg, was discovered by Ponte Preta in 2001, transferring to São Paulo in 2004. In 2005, he went to Dynamo Kyiv. Giuseppe Dioguardi, the player's agent, traveled to Ukraine last night to complete the loan to Flamengo.
With that, Kleber has given up on Bolívar, from Monaco, and is moving on to negotiations with Renato Abreu and Jônatas. The latter's negotiations are being led by Eduardo Uram, the player's agent and a partner of the club. Today, Kleber is expected to fire football director Marcos Braz, who had stated that if Jônatas returned to Gávea, he would leave.
() From Extra
The worst player in Rio de Janeiro football in 2007
Internet users elect Léo Lima
Photo caption: LÉO LIMA is the winner of the disappointment trophy with 22% of the votes
Bernardo Pombo
Last season, many players kept fans awake at night. Over the course of two days, 4.850 Globo Online users voted for the worst players of the year at Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco. The competition was fierce.
The disappointment of the year award goes to Flamengo midfielder Léo Lima, with 22% of the vote. Signed in February, the Vasco player showed up five kilos overweight but promised to get in shape, which he didn't. He played 13 games and scored one goal, which hastened his dismissal.
The midfielder was also chosen as the worst player on the team. With 39% of the votes, he beat Roger (20%), Irineu (16%), Juninho Paulista (16%) and Thiago Gosling (9%). Vice President of Football Kleber Leite thought it was fair.
At Botafogo, Athirson was chosen, receiving 41% of the votes, ahead of goalkeepers Júlio César (30%), Max (16%), Lopes (4%), and Iran (9%). For him, the lack of opportunities played a role:
- I wasn't the Athirson of Flamengo and Bayer Leverkusen, but I had few chances with Cuca.
The Tricolor team struggled with its forwards. And one of them was the worst: Rafael Moura, who arrived with the nickname "He-Man" and the status of a major reinforcement. He played 10 games and scored one goal before moving to France. With 45%, he beat Jean (19%), Renato Silva (16%), Lenny (15%), and Ivan (5%).
At Vasco, things got ugly for Valdiram, who won with 42%. Dudar (20%), Roberto Lopes (19%), Abuda (15%) and Diego (4%) completed the list. Valdiram's lack of discipline and low production in 2007 weighed heavily on him: three games and one goal, plus a 10-day suspension. He was loaned to Itumbiara, in Goiás. () From Globo Online
Sports Journal
Kids qualify for the final stage
Porto Alegre, RS - In a highly competitive match yesterday, Flamengo drew 1-1 with Náutico and qualified for the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship. Paulo Sérgio scored the goal from the penalty spot in the 24th minute of the first half. Now, the boys from Gávea will face Cruzeiro tomorrow at 19 p.m. at Passo D'Areia Stadium in Porto Alegre.
The other games begin today with Atlético-MG vs. Paraná and Grêmio vs. Coritiba. Tomorrow, in addition to Flamengo vs. Cruzeiro, Internacional faces Atlético-PR. The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday.
In 1981, Flamengo shone and Liverpool 'bated'
Nathan de Lima
26 years ago, Flamengo won the most important title in its history and JORNAL DOS SPORTS followed, step by step, the red-and-black idols, who crossed the world to beat Liverpool 3-0, at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium, and who became world champions.
The team led by Zico arrived in the Japanese capital discredited and suffering greatly from the time difference, but as published in the December 12, 1981 edition of “Cor-de-rosa”, Fla wanted to beat the English to, in addition to achieving the historic feat that until then only Pelé's Santos had achieved, dedicate the title to coach Cláudio Coutinho, who had died days before.
"We're more skilled, we have a lot of attacking power, and we'll have to play the ball, putting the English team in a rut." Zico's words the day before the match summed up with prophetic accuracy what unfolded during the 90 minutes of the game.
Flamengo capitalized on the superiority of Brazilian football against the robotic style that had always been the English trademark to finish the match in the first half. The team from the land of the Beatles, whose main player was the Scottish player Daglish, was unable to move and was completely dominated by the magic of the Rio stars.
In the 14th minute of the first half, Zico delivered a perfect pass to Nunes, who skillfully slotted it under goalkeeper Grobelaar to open the scoring for Flamengo. After the goal, Liverpool tried to press home, but Tita once again demonstrated why the Brazilians have always had the upper hand against the English. He dribbled through the middle, and the desperate Liverpool defense (and unaccustomed to such skill) fouled him. Zico took the shot, the goalkeeper missed, and Adílio doubled the lead. Minutes later, Zico delivered another brilliant pass to
Nunes, who came in free, shot across goal, and the goalkeeper accepted.
With victory secured in the first half, Flamengo only let time run out in the second half to clinch the title. Immediately after the final whistle, the Flamengo crowd ignored the falling rain and celebrated a veritable carnival in Rio. (Contributed by Pedro Sá, JS On-line)
Another round of the fight of the century: Fla x STJD
Flamengo faces another match today against an opponent that plagued them throughout the 2007 season: the Superior Court of Sports Justice. The club will attempt to appeal the one-game ban imposed after a fan threw a beer can at the refereeing team as they were leaving the field during halftime of Flamengo's 2-0 victory over Grêmio on October 21 of this year.
Rubro-Negro was indicted under article 213 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (Failure to take measures capable of preventing or repressing disorders in its sports venue, which carries a penalty of one to three matches without home advantage), but as it was Flamengo who requested the appeal, the one-match suspension, which the club received in the first instance, cannot be increased.
Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, said he is confident of the acquittal, since the president of the STJD, Rubens Approbato, granted a suspensive effect, which allowed Fla to play with the gates open against Atlético-PR, in the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship.
"We want an acquittal. We have a good chance of getting it, since the president himself granted that suspension, imagining that it would be possible for us to be acquitted now in the plenary session," said the lawyer, who has already freed the club many times throughout the year.
If the penalty is upheld, Fla will not be able to count on an audience for the opening match of the 2008 Brazilian Championship.
BRUNO - Kleber Leite stated that Bruno's situation remains uncertain. The agreement for the player's stay for the next five years has not yet been signed.
Marcio Braga: 'Flamengo can't choose its opponent'
We made a complaint to FIFA about it, because it puts the athletes' lives at risk. It makes no sense to play football at that altitude. We'll wait for the South American Federation's decision, but playing at that altitude is absurd, that's for sure.
Flamengo president Márcio Braga will not personally attend the draw for the 2008 Copa Libertadores da América groups. Vice-president Kleber Leite will represent the Gávea club in Montevideo, where the draw will take place.
And the president doesn't seem to care who Flamengo's opponents will be in the Libertadores. For Marcio Braga, champions don't choose their opponents, especially against Flamengo.
"We hope to win the Libertadores; we're heading to Tokyo. The Libertadores will be the most important tournament for the club next year. Kleber Leite will be at the draw in Montevideo. I've been at Flamengo for 30 years, and in my opinion, when Flamengo is determined to be champion, it doesn't matter who the opponent is. You have to approach each game as if it were your last. You have to always win to keep advancing," Braga told Ràdio Bandeirantes.
Mengão one victory away from the third
The team crushes Vasco 92-74 and, if they win today, they will win the State Basketball title.
André Casado, Rafael Oliveira and Pedro Ivo Almeida
Wallace Teixeira
The red-and-black Marcelinho fights for the rebound in Vasco's paint
A highly tuned Flamengo crushed an unrecognizable Vasco in the first game of the State Basketball Championship final. With an 18-point lead (92-74), the Rubro-Negro took the lead in the decisive series and needs only a victory today at 20 p.m. at the same Maracanãzinho to become state champion for the third time. Vasco only needs to clean up the mess and change its attitude if it wants to extend the final.
For a change, Marcelinho was the game's unbalanced opponent, with 30 points. For Vasco, Arthur scored 17 points.
The match was evenly matched at the start. Until midway through the first quarter, neither team was ahead on the scoreboard. However, with the advantage in rebounds, Flamengo began to dominate, and Marcelinho's accurate hand soon emerged as the red-and-black's release. Paulo Chupeta's team had a four-point lead at the end of the first quarter: 21-17.
The landscape changed in the second quarter. But not who was leading the score. It was no longer long-range shots that decided the plays, but rather the physical strength of the red-and-blacks in the paint, which transformed a small advantage into total dominance. The contribution came primarily from the players coming off the bench, who together scored 27 of Mengão's 48 points at the end of the first half.
No matter how much he identified the errors made by his quintet, coach José Carlos Vidal was unable to make the numerous free throw errors (there were 12 in total), nor his defense, his main weakness, show any sign of life.
The area around Vasco's paint was the spot Marcelinho, Amiel, and company frequented most. From there, they made 14 accurate shots. The lead reached an incredible 23 points (84 to 61) during the third quarter.
Vasco, with their hands full, limited themselves to taking three-point shots, while Flamengo maintained their tactical balance and secured their second victory over their rivals in the tournament.
VASCO
Valtinho (15), Arthur (15), Jefferson (9), Cipriano (9) and Estevam (4).\ Entered: Brasilia (3), Rossi (8), Formolo (2) and Luís Fernando (9).\
Coach: José Carlos Vidal
FLAMENGO
Fred (3), Amiel (15), Marcelinho (31), Alírio (5) and Coloneze.\ Entered: Duda (5), Hélio (7), Wagner (10), Fernando Mineiro (16), and Maicon.\
Coach: Paulo Chupeta
Location: Maracanãzinho
Fans do their part in the final
The red-black fans, happy with the victory, celebrated yesterday at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium
A peaceful atmosphere prevailed yesterday. The rain and fear of violence kept fans away from the match. The few who did show up (about 2000) limited themselves to cheering and taunting the opposing team.
The 120 Gepe police officers ensured the security of the place, but Major Marcelo Pessoa, commander of the group, has already said that he does not expect to find the same tranquility for the second match of the confrontation.
"The rain contributed to the low number of fans, but we also have to take into account that this was only the first match of the final. In a best-of-three, the number one match doesn't usually have much appeal with the public. But tomorrow (today) we could have a champion club and the stands will certainly be much fuller," said the Major, who also stated that policing will be reinforced.
About three hundred officers will be manning the venue tonight. This is the largest number of police officers ever assigned to a basketball game.
Before the match, a rush of fans around the gym scared some people.
"They were members of an organized Flamengo fan group. But they didn't cause trouble, they ran because it started to rain," Pessoa assured.
The tense atmosphere surrounding the matches between Flamengo and Vasco intensified after brawls broke out in the city center before the first-round match of the qualifying phase. Vasco fans beat Flamengo fan Germano Soares da Silva to death. The two fan groups planned confrontations online, raising concerns about policing.
Chupeta highlights the strength of the reserves
Flamengo's Fernando Mineiro protects the ball, despite being marked by Vasco's Jefferson Sobral
One of the most ecstatic about the red-and-black triumph was coach Paulo Chupeta, who revealed a bet he made with point guard Duda during Tuesday's practice at Maracanãzinho. According to the coach, who hit a backhanded basket from midcourt during the training session and now owes R$20 from the point guard, perimeter shots are often crucial in matches:
"I talked to my players about how decisive three-pointers could be. I myself was the first three-point scorer in the Rio State Championship, when the new value was assigned. Today, they followed my advice and decided the game that way," he declared.
Regarding superiority, Chupeta was categorical:
"We watched some videos of them, and we saw that the game was centered around Rossi and Valtinho. We managed to neutralize them, and on top of that, we relied on the strength of our bench to secure the victory," explained the coach.
O Dia
Basketball: Mengão beats Vasco
Fla takes the lead in the State Championship final: 92 to 74. If they win today, they're champions.
Rio - For those who believed Flamengo would rely solely on Marcelinho's talent, the Rubro-Negro surprised with other 'weapons' and came out on top in the State Basketball Championship final, defeating Vasco 92-74 (48-37 in the first half) yesterday at Maracanãzinho. With the result, the Rubro-Negro is one win away from the title and could be crowned champion today if they win the second game of the best-of-three series at 20 p.m. at the same venue. In the State Championship final match between the two teams, Vasco prevailed seven times, compared to Flamengo's five.
The first quarter was evenly matched, with Vasco heavily focused on guarding Marcelinho. And it was precisely through him that Flamengo opened up the lead, with three free throws and a shot for a technical foul by Vasco. Flamengo finished the quarter four points ahead: 21-17.
In the second quarter, both teams surprised and began rotating players. But the Flamengo reserves came out on top, and within less than three minutes, Flamengo held an 11-point lead: 33 to 22. Vasco showed signs of fatigue, while Flamengo managed their lead, converting three-pointers, and went into halftime leading 48 to 37.
In the second half, Flamengo continued to dictate the pace of the game, with Cuban Amiel as their main offensive option. Flamengo won the third quarter 70-56 and extended their lead in the final period, winning 92-74. "Flamengo set a good pace from the start and gradually increased their lead," said Marcelinho, who topped the scoreboard with 31 points.
Yesterday's game had a crowd of 1.030. According to Major Marcelo Pessoa of the Gepe (National Football Association), there was a call at Praça da Bandeira, which turned out to be a false alarm when 50 members of the Urubuzada fan group began running because of the rain.
Beasts lament the reality of national basketball
Winning the world's courts was a dream that Marcelinho and Jefferson Sobral achieved. They didn't make it to the NBA, as they hoped, but they did have stints in Europe and even with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters. After a few seasons away, the Flamengo and Vasco da Gama wingers returned to Brazil this year and are competing for the state title.
Although they are happy with the possibility of returning to defending teams in their shirts, experiencing the rivalry of a more competitive championship, the players regret that the national scenario has changed so little.
"The treatment of players remains the same as when I left three years ago. Some teams are still late paying salaries and don't have good infrastructure," said Jefferson.
Words echoed by Marcelinho. After playing in Italy, Spain, and Lithuania, the point guard celebrates Rio's return to two top-tier venues: Maracanãzinho and Arena. "Returning isn't difficult when you play for your favorite club and in the city where you were born. But in Brazil, clubs and athletes need greater guarantees of organization and return. You can't rely on just one company."
CHEAPER TICKET
With the possibility of the title being decided in today's match, Major Marcelo, from Gepe (Special Stadium Policing Group), expects a good turnout tonight.
With Flamengo playing at home, the special seat tickets that were sold for R$30 for the first game (R$15 half-price) will be cheaper: R$20. The bleachers will remain at R$10. There will be half-price tickets again.
If necessary, the third game of the series will be played on Sunday at 16 pm at Maracanãzinho.
Flamengo: D-Day over Bolívar
Club decides today whether to sign experienced defender, world champion with Inter
Rio - An experienced player ready for the 2008 Copa Libertadores. This is the early Christmas present Flamengo hopes to give its fans today. Defender Bolívar has one foot in the door at Gávea, and all it takes is a handful of cash to get him in.
A Club World Cup winner with Internacional in 2006, Bolívar's fate will be decided today at the club's headquarters. To conclude a conversation that has been dragging on for several days, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, will meet today with football director Marcos Braz and businessman Jaider Moreira.
In France, Bolívar has already told Monaco's Brazilian coach, Ricardo Gomes, that he should no longer count on his football. He has announced that he will return to Brazil, and Rio de Janeiro is his preferred destination.
"I spoke with Ricardo Gomes. He wanted me to stay, but I explained the situation and he gave up," said the player, who has a two-month-old daughter.
The former Inter defender's agent is Neco Cirne, who gave Jaider Moreira the power to negotiate with Brazilian clubs — Cruzeiro is also interested.
In search of an experienced defender for the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo hopes to make the player's dream come true. Jaider Moreira will bring a calculator and salary to the Gávea club's management. If Flamengo's budget allows, Bolívar will wear the Flamengo jersey.
Last night, the soccer leadership held a meeting in Gávea, where goals for the coming year were set. The estimated soccer budget for the 2008 season was also one of the topics on the agenda.
GIFT FOR THE TEAM
Flamengo isn't just looking to give its fans an early Christmas present. The players are on the list, too. The board is racing against time to secure the release of R$4,5 million in sponsorship funds that are being withheld to cover the outstanding debt.
Sports Gazette
Fla optimistic about the chance to manage Maracanã\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - President Márcio Braga is optimistic that Flamengo, along with Fluminense and the CBF, could succeed in managing the Maracanã stadium, if it is indeed privatized. "The consortium for managing the stadium, which includes IMG, Flamengo, the CBF, and Fluminense, would have a 25-year contract, renewable for 25 years. This would make Flamengo viable for at least 40 years. The return will be proportional to the profitability each party brings to the stadium through their ticket sales," Márcio Braga told the newspaper O Globo.
Even off the field, Flamengo may receive a new tribute to its fans. This is because José Padilha, director of the film "Tropa de Elite," admitted he is planning to make a documentary about the red-and-black fans, responsible for making Flamengo the top-ranked club in average attendance in the last Brazilian Championship.
Flamengo fan José Padilha said he spoke with Zico, the greatest idol in the history of the Rio de Janeiro club, and that he was receptive to the idea.
Flamengo continues to wait for Bruno\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While celebrating the four-year contract renewal with right-back Leonardo Moura, Flamengo remains apprehensive, awaiting a response from MSI regarding the proposal made to permanently acquire goalkeeper Bruno's federation rights. The number one, like Léo Moura, is considered crucial for next season, when the Rubro-Negro will compete in the Copa Libertadores. Bruno, who was recently approached by Fluminense, has already stated his intention to remain at Gávea, but his stay depends on the approval of the investment group, which wants to receive a substantial sum to release the goalkeeper.
Kléber Leite, Flamengo's vice-president of football, has already stated that he intends to transform Bruno into a 'Rogério Ceni' from Gávea, with the goalkeeper remaining at the Rio de Janeiro club until the end of his career.
Besides Bruno, other negotiations remain pending at Gávea. One of them involves, and may be resolved soon, defender Bolívar, who was released by Monaco to attempt a return to Brazilian football. The player already expressed interest in playing for Flamengo in 2008. Other options for the position include Fabiano Eller, currently with Atlético Madrid, and Rodrigo, who plays for Dynamo Kyiv.
Meanwhile, midfielder Jônatas' return could be complicated. In addition to Espanyol's unwillingness to release the player on loan without compensation, the club is still facing internal disagreements on the matter.
Football director Marcos Braz has already announced that he will leave the club if Jônatas returns, given that the two had issues during the midfielder's first stint at Gávea. Vice president of football Kléber Leite assured that Marcos Braz's threat will not prevent Jônatas' possible return.
Far from this controversy, left-back Juan is enjoying his vacation and says that rest will be crucial for the Flamengo squad to enter the next season with full vigor. "It's good to have peace of mind to start the preseason well and do a good job in the fight for titles for Flamengo next year," he said.
PeléNet
Flamengo president doesn't choose opponents in the Libertadores
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Already thinking about the Copa Libertadores, the president of Flamengo does not hide his dream of seeing the Rubro-Negro as continental champion in 2008. To this end, however, he issues a warning and says that the team will have to overcome any obstacle it faces, regardless of the difficulty.
"If you want to be champion, you can't choose your opponent. If you really want that, you have to face whatever comes your way and win. It doesn't matter if they're Venezuelan or Argentinian," the director said in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes.
Flamengo secured a spot in the continental competition by finishing third in the Brazilian Championship. The draw for the first stage of the Libertadores group stage will be held on the 19th at CONMEBOL headquarters in Asunción, Paraguay. The Gávea club will be represented by Kleber Leite, vice president of football.
In total, Rubro-Negro has participated in the competition eight times (1981, 82, 83, 84, 93, 2002, and 2007), winning the title in its debut year. The last appearance was traumatic. After an excellent first round, the team was eliminated in the round of XNUMX by Defensor-URU, in front of a packed Maracanã stadium.
Flamengo doctor predicts Rômulo's return to the field in March
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Midfielder Rômulo continues treatment for the injury he suffered during the 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama at Maracanã on October 18th in the Brazilian Championship. According to doctor José Luis Runco, the player should only be fit to play in March.
Rômulo sprained his right knee and damaged his anterior cruciate ligament. The midfielder underwent surgery and, according to the club's doctor, is recovering very well.
Runco's prediction is that the player will return to training in February, when he will start working with the rest of the Gávea club's squad.
Gerson Magrão changes his mind and admits returning to Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In São Paulo\
Despite being approached by Corinthians, midfielder Gerson Magrão said he would stay at Ipatinga for next season. However, the player's behavior changed when the possibility of a return to Flamengo, the club with which he has a contract, became apparent.
On loan to Ipatinga until June 2008, Magrão is one of the players who could strengthen Flamengo's squad next season, when the red-and-black team will return to the Copa Libertadores. If his return is indeed requested by the Minas Gerais board, the midfielder has expressed his availability.
"I'm very happy to hear about this interest, because it shows that my work is being done well. I only had one chance to show my football at Flamengo and I think that's complicated. People judge me based on just one match in my original position," complained the midfielder in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Scorer of eight goals, Magrão was one of Ipatinga's standout players in their campaign to gain promotion to the Brazilian Championship's first division. While at Flamengo, he trained almost exclusively as a left-back and rarely had opportunities under then-coach Ney Franco.
Fla draws and continues in the Brazilian U-20
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo is the only Rio de Janeiro representative remaining in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship. By drawing 1-1 with Náutico this Wednesday in Porto Alegre, the Rubro-Negro secured second place in Group 1 with seven points, qualifying for the quarterfinals.
With the result, the team from Gávea qualified to face Cruzeiro on Friday. Raposa finished first in Group 3. Inter, the leader of Flamengo's group, will face Atlético Paranaense on the same day.
The goals, both penalties, in Wednesday's match only came in the second half. In the 24th minute, Paulo Sérgio opened the scoring for Flamengo, while Eduardo leveled the score in the 31st.
The red-and-black team's qualification ultimately saved the Rio de Janeiro team's honor in the competition, as Fluminense and Botafogo were eliminated in the first round. Vasco did not participate in the competition.
Zico's son will play in the Rio State Championship for Madureira
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Madureira announced this Wednesday the signing of midfielder Thiago Coimbra, son of Zico, Flamengo's greatest ever idol. At 24, he was discovered by CFZ-RJ and played for the Rubro-Negro in 2006 (two matches). He was currently playing for Portimonense-POR.
Thiago, who signed a contract until May 2008, will be presented next Monday as one of the reinforcements for the Rio de Janeiro State Championship.
Madureira is in Group B of the competition, alongside Botafogo, Vasco, Americano, Cabofriense, Friburguense, Mesquita and Resende.
Tricolor Suburbano is also in the Copa do Brasil. In the first round, they will face ABC-RN. The schedule was released this Wednesday by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
BalloonSport
Flamengo takes the lead in the Carioca final
The red-and-black team crushes Vasco 92-74 and is one win away from the state title.
Flamengo stops Vasco and takes the lead in the men's state championship final\ In a game full of mistakes by Vasco, Flamengo took the lead in the final of the Rio de Janeiro Men's Basketball Championship by beating their rivals this Wednesday at Maracanãzinho, 92-74 (48-37 in the first half), making it 1-0 in the final series and one win away from the title. The next match takes place this Thursday, December 13th, also at Maracanãzinho, at 20 pm (Brasília time).\
The highlights of the match were winger Marcelinho, from Flamengo, with 31 points, and Arthur and Valtinho, from Vasco, with 15 points each.
The first half started evenly. Both teams were a bit nervous and missed easy shots. The pivots on both teams (Alírio, for Flamengo, and Cipriano, for Vasco) committed two fouls very quickly and were removed from the court by their coaches. As a result, the defensive schemes were changed slightly, and shots under the paint began to occur.
Flamengo is one win away from the title. Vasco needs two wins, Thursday and Sunday, to lift the state basketball championship trophy.
Vasco was leading 10-9 when the team received a technical for complaining about a foul committed by Jeferson Sobral on Marcelinho following a three-pointer by the red-black forward. Marcelinho converted all four free throws, giving Flamengo the lead in the fourth (13-10). From then on, the team from Gávea maintained the advantage, finishing the first period ahead 21-17.
In the more vibrant second quarter, Flamengo increased its lead to 12 points (36-24) and demonstrated a conscious approach, capitalizing on possessions and offensive rebounds to waste time and set up plays. Vasco, on the other hand, struggled with its defensive positioning, and its reserves weren't performing as expected. Three minutes before halftime, Flamengo's bench already had 23 points, compared to Vasco's just five.
Three-pointers and fatigue bring down Vasco
Flamengo fans celebrate the team's victory against Vasco
At the end of the first half, having poorly scored the opponent's three-point shot, Vasco left the court hearing calls for more spirit from their fans, and with an 11-point disadvantage on the scoreboard: 48 to 37. The top scorers of the match in the first half were Marcelinho, from Flamengo, with 14 points, and Arthur, from Vasco, with eight.
The second half began with Vasco struggling on offense, making a lot of mistakes under the basket, while Flamengo showed more composure on the court, working the ball better and not forcing shots. As their lead continued to grow, Vasco began to try desperate plays. Leading in all statistics, the red-and-blacks had no trouble winning the third quarter 22-19, making it 70-56.
Exhausted by the tough semifinal against Fluminense, Vasco didn't seem to have the stamina to resist Flamengo in the final quarter. The red-and-blacks, in turn, used Vasco's fatigue to further increase their lead to 24 points (88-64), achieving the biggest difference of the match with a dunk by Duda, with 4:28 remaining, which lifted the fans in the stands.
With victory assured, Flamengo avoided any sudden moves that could have caused any confusion on the court, and celebrated the victory a lot.
Fla qualifies and saves Rio
The team draws with Náutico and is the only Rio team in the quarter-finals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship.
Flamengo drew 1-1 with Náutico this Wednesday at Passo D'Areia Stadium in Porto Alegre, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship, where they will face Cruzeiro on Friday. Number 8 Erick Flores was the red-and-black's standout player in the match that secured the only Rio de Janeiro team among the eight finalists.
Before the game, coach Adílio announced that forward Kayke, who had played for the first team, had been sent back to Rio de Janeiro after disciplinary issues in the training camp. Youth team supervisor Rivelino Serpa did not elaborate on the matter (watch the video above).
After a lackluster first half, the Red-Blacks took the lead in the 24th minute of the second half. Fernando handled the ball in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Paulo Sérgio took the penalty with skill and opened the scoring.
Shortly after, in the 31st minute, Náutico equalized. Wellinton blocked a play with his arm, and the referee signaled a penalty. Eduardo struck with pinpoint accuracy and equalized. Náutico had chances to turn the match around but were unable to prevent the red-and-blacks from qualifying.
This Thursday, at PUC Stadium, the knockout stage begins with two quarterfinal matches. At 19 p.m., undefeated Atlético-MG takes on Paraná. And at 21 p.m., Grêmio, also undefeated in the first round, faces Coritiba.
Quarter-final table
GROUP 8\ Thursday, 13/12 - 19:6 p.m. - Atlético-MG x Paraná - PUC\ GROUP 13\ Thursday, 12/21 - 7:14 p.m. - Grêmio x Coritiba - PUC\ GROUP 12\ Friday, 19/5 - 14:12 p.m. - Cruzeiro x Flamengo - Passo D'Areia\ GROUP 21\ Friday, XNUMX/XNUMX - XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. - Internacional x Atlético-PR - Passo D'Areia\
Semifinals and final\ GROUP 9\ Sunday, 16/12 - 14pm - Winner 5 x Winner 8 - Morada dos Quero-Queros\ GROUP 10\ Sunday, 16/12 - 16pm - Winner 6 x Winner 7 - Morada dos Quero-Queros\
DECISION 3RD PLACE\ Tuesday, 18/12 - 19pm - Loser 9 x Loser 10 - Passo D'Areia\ FINAL\ Tuesday, 18/12 - 21pm - Winner 9 x Winner 10 - Passo D'Areia\
Kayke is removed from the Brazilian U-20 Championship
Flamengo striker returns to Rio de Janeiro. Reason: personal issues
One of Flamengo's top prospects, striker Kayke, was removed from the squad competing in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship in Rio Grande do Sul. He didn't face Náutico this Wednesday and has already returned to Rio de Janeiro.
The official explanation is that the player had personal issues and had to return. However, coach Adílio confirmed that there was a "little problem" at the hotel (watch the video).
A little over a year ago, Kayke was removed from the youth team due to disciplinary issues. In a game against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã stadium, he refused to sit on the bench.
Hypolito brothers defend Fla in the final
Diego, Daniele, Jade Barbosa and Victor Rosa compete individually this Saturday
Athletes go in search of more medals
Flamengo has 23 gymnasts competing for medals in the final of the Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics Circuit, this Saturday at 16 p.m. at the Foz do Iguaçu Convention Center. Among them are siblings Diego and Daniele Hypolito, Jade Barbosa, and Victor Rosa.
The athletes, who competed in stages in Curitiba and Goiânia, will compete individually on the apparatus. There will be three rounds until the final result is determined.
'Maracanã is on the right track'
Flamengo president says partnership with Flu and CBF is going well
Maracanã is close to Fla, Flu and CBF
A series of meetings in London brought the Maracanã even closer to Flamengo, Fluminense, and the CBF. The trio will join forces with ISG—a subsidiary of the giant IMG—to jointly manage the stadium.
This Wednesday, representatives of Rubro-Negro who were in the English capital met with president Márcio Braga to outline the next plans.
"We're in the final stages of negotiations. Now, we're going to sign the letter of intent. I'd say Maracanã is well underway," Braga declared.
The stadium's bidding process was scheduled for November. However, according to State Secretary of Sports Eduardo Paes, the new date will be "mid-January." If awarded the stadium, ISG plans to expand it to 110 seats, with 90 "standard" and 20 "premium" seats. The estimated cost of the project is US$200 million.
Kléber goes to São Paulo to do business
Manager plans partnership with Corinthians and also seeks players for Flamengo
After promising a package of reinforcements, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, traveled to São Paulo on Tuesday to discuss a few matters, including signings (no names revealed). But the seeds of two future partnerships were sown.
One was with Corinthians president Andrés Sanchez, with whom Kléber discussed details regarding the merger between the two clubs.
"It also involves the marketing and football departments, but I won't go into details. After Andrés returns, we'll intensify the meetings," Kléber said.
Another meeting was with Júlio Mariz, a leading figure at Traffic. Over lunch, he discussed a possible partnership along the lines of the one currently being formed with Palmeiras.
- They (Traffic) have a young player that interests us, but nothing for now - he said, without wanting to talk about signings.
"I also discussed some names in São Paulo, but I won't reveal which ones. Now, I'll only talk about names when the deal is closed or the contract is signed. Then, I'll publish it on the official website. I can say that I won't be announcing any news this week," the executive concluded.
Throw
Flamengo advances to the quarterfinals
Rubro-Negro only draws with Náutico but gets a place in the Brazilian U-20
Cassius Leitão IN RIO
Flamengo drew 1-1 with Náutico this Wednesday at the Passo D'Areia Stadium in Porto Alegre, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship, where they will face Cruzeiro on Friday.
After a lackluster first half, the Red-Blacks took the lead in the 24th minute of the second half. Fernando handled the ball in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Paulo Sérgio, who had opportunities in the senior squad, took the penalty with skill and opened the scoring.
Shortly after, in the 31st minute, Náutico equalized. Wellinton blocked a play with his arm, and the referee signaled a penalty. Eduardo struck with pinpoint accuracy and equalized. Náutico had chances to turn the match around but were unable to prevent the red-and-blacks from qualifying.
Check out the quarter-finals below:
Thursday: 19pm - Atlético-MG x Paraná 21pm - Grêmio x Coritiba
Friday: 19pm - Cruzeiro vs Flamengo 21pm - Internacional vs Atlético-PR
Kléber goes to Sampa to discuss business
Vice President of Football also goes to São Paulo in search of players
Kléber Leite goes after the Christmas package (Credit: Julio Cesar Guimarães)
After promising a package of reinforcements, Kléber Leite traveled to São Paulo this Tuesday to discuss several matters, including signings, the names of which he declined to reveal. But the seeds of two future partnerships were sown.
One was with Corinthians president Andrés Sanchez, with whom Kléber discussed details regarding the merger between the two clubs.
"It also involves the marketing and football departments, but I won't go into details. After Andrés returns, we'll intensify the meetings," Kléber said.
Another meeting was with Júlio Mariz, a leading figure at Traffic. Over lunch, he discussed a possible partnership along the lines of the one currently being formed with Palmeiras.
– They (Traffic) have a young player that interests us, but nothing for now – he said, without wanting to talk about signings.
– I also dealt with some names in São Paulo, but I won’t say which ones.
Now, I'll only talk about names once the deal is closed or the contract is signed. Then, I'll publish it on the official website. I can say that I won't be announcing any news this week," the executive concluded.
Fla takes the lead in the State Championship final
Marcelinho Machado and company stroll around the court and beat Vasco (92 to 74) in a Maracanãzinho with few fans
Felipe David
Flamengo took the lead in the final of the Men's State Basketball Championship. Despite torrential rain in Rio de Janeiro, which scared away fans from Maracanãzinho and caused the lights in the gymnasium to go out before the game, Marcelinho Machado and company remained focused on the court and defeated archrival Vasco da Gama 92-74 on Wednesday night in the first match of the final stage of the competition.
With this result, coach Paulo Chupeta's team is one victory away from winning its 33rd state title. The second leg of the final will be played this Thursday at 20 p.m. at the same venue. If a third leg is necessary, it will be played this Sunday at 16 p.m., also at Maracanãzinho.
The highlight of the match was winger Marcelinho Machado, who topped the scoreboard with 30 points.
O JOGO
As predicted by coach José Carlos Vidal, Vasco's team appeared very tired in the match and defended poorly, forcing the coach to constantly rotate the starting and reserve players. However, in a first half marked by numerous errors by the Vasco team, Flamengo capitalized on the advantage of only competing in the Campeonato Carioca this semester—Vasco's players, due to their tie with Universo, from Brasília, had to compete in the South American Club League and play in the Campeonato Mineiro—and finished the first half with a healthy 48-37 lead over their opponent. Flamengo's strength lay in their long-range shots, with six converted in 14 attempts, compared to just one in eight for Vasco.
As they headed to the locker rooms, the managers of both teams analyzed the first half.
"We gave them a lot of three-point shooting. We also made a lot of defensive mistakes. But 11 points is perfectly possible," Vasco coach José Carlos Vidal emphasized.
"All of Flamengo's players are of a good standard. Those who come off the bench know the responsibility of making decisions," praised Paulo Chupeta, Flamengo's coach.
In the second half, Flamengo extended its lead even further. Stunned, the Cruzmaltinos succumbed to the strength of the red-and-black team. The game remained easy for coach Paulo Chupeta's team, which secured its first victory in the final against its archrival: 92-74.
Flamengo: Fred, Marcelinho, Amiel, Coloneze and Alírio. Entered: Vagner, Duda, Maicom, Hélio and Fernando Mineiro. Coach: Paulo Chupeta.
Vasco: Valtinho, Arthur, Jefferson, Marcio Cipriano and Estevam. Entered: Brasilia, Rossi, Rafael Formolo and Luiz Fernando. Coach: José Carlos Vidal.